Garlic Butter Rice Recipe: A Family Favorite!

Name: Garlic Butter Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 cups dry long grain white rice or jasmine rice, rinsed and drained; 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth; ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion; 1.5 tablespoons minced garlic; Salt to taste; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pieces; 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Posted on February 24, 2026

Weight Loss

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Garlic Butter Rice Recipe, comes together in about 20 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again,because life is too short for boring food, right?

Ingredients Breakdown

1.5 cups dry long grain white rice or jasmine rice, rinsed and drained well
2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion
1.5 tablespoons minced garlic
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pieces
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Let’s Get Cooking!

Who doesn’t love a one-pot recipe? This one brings all the cozy flavors without the mess. Here’s how I whip up this garlic butter rice that your family will ask for again and again.

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. I always say you can’t really go wrong when you start with butter, right?
Sauté the finely chopped yellow onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s time to add the garlic when your kitchen starts smelling heavenly.
Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Seriously, it’s like a mini aromatherapy session right there as you breathe in all the yumminess.
Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth), season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper, and bring to a rolling boil. The bubbling sound is music to my ears!
Add the rinsed rice, stir to distribute, cover tightly, and lower the heat to the lowest setting. You’ll want to let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. It’s essential to keep the lid on during this time; you want the steam to do its job!
After cooking, let the rice rest for about 5-10 minutes without lifting the lid. This resting time is crucial, it allows the rice to finish cooking and soak in all that delicious broth.
Fold in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until completely melted and coated, oh, that creamy goodness!
Serve the rice, optionally garnished with fresh parsley. And voila! You’ve just created a simple yet flavorful dish that will make the whole family smile!

Why I Love This Recipe

Honestly? This is my go-to recipe when I’m looking to whip up something comforting but don’t have a lot of time. There’s just something about this garlic butter rice that fills my heart with warmth and reminds me of family dinners growing up. I’m a real sucker for a recipe that you can customize, use whatever you’ve got on hand, and it will still turn out incredible. The best part is that it’s a fabulous stand-alone dish, but it also pairs beautifully with just about anything, from grilled chicken to roasted veggies. You won’t go wrong with this one!

If you loved this garlic butter rice recipe, be sure to check out my Caribbean Chicken and Rice, my Texas Road House Rice, or my Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes! That’s right, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending all evening in the kitchen.

One Pot

It’s all made in just one pot, so it means minimal cleanup! You get to spend more time with your family rather than washing dishes, and who doesn’t like that?

Budget-Friendly

With just a few affordable, everyday ingredients, this garlic butter rice won’t break the bank. You can feel good about feeding your family a wholesome meal without overspending.

Crowds-Pleaser

I mean, the whole family will love it! Seriously, even the picky eaters in your household will ask for seconds.

Customizable

Use whatever ingredients you have! Want to toss in some veggies? Go for it! It’s super versatile, and you can switch it up each time to keep things exciting.

Serving Suggestions

This garlic butter rice is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a myriad of dishes! Here are a few serving suggestions:

Grilled Chicken: The savory richness of the rice balances beautifully with the spices on grilled chicken.
Roasted Vegetables: Crisp veggies add a nice crunch and color to your plate.
Stir-fried Shrimp: Lightly seasoned shrimp all cooked together make a stellar combo.
Side Salad: Something light and fresh to complement the buttery richness.

Storage and Reheating

How long it keeps: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container!
Best method to reheat: Reheat it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. You can also warm it up on the stovetop with a bit of water or broth on low heat.
Freezer friendly: Yes! You can freeze this rice for up to two months. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing it in freezer-safe bags. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up before serving.

And there you have it! A lovely recipe that ticks all the boxes, a quick, easy, and delicious addition to your dinner table. Whether you’re having a cozy family meal at home or meal prepping for the busy week ahead, this garlic butter rice will have everyone singing its praises.

So next time you’re looking for a comforting side that delivers on flavor and ease, give this a whirl. I can’t wait to hear how much your family loves it!

Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.